Absent, and not represented by their Alternates, were Mary Elizabeth Ambery, David
Baird, Ronald Clayton, Kathy Gilliland, Linda Heitman,

APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES

The Vol. XXXIX No. 8 was approved as written. (Strauss/Mims).

REPORT FROM THE CHAIR

Chair Swartwout reported that the Holiday Open House on Friday, December 3, at the
Johnson Faculty Centre was well attended, particularly by staff members.Chair Swartwout reported on the recent Administrative Council meeting. The Council
asked that the Senate, when they discuss the next academic calendar, to consider making
Thanksgiving break a week long and cutting out the fall break. Another suggestion
was to start the semester a week earlier after Christmas break.Promotion Bill, presented at Dean's Council: Most deans were fine with the bill. Dean
Jones was against the time line and didn't like the parallel of the letter structure
going from committee and from the chair or dean. Dean Shaw didn't like the parallel.Summer camps and conference fees charges are going up for Chartwells charges and in
housing.Red Hawk merchandise went on sale today.Human Resources benefits next year will begin on the day hired. Medical reimbursement
workshops will be offered in January. Chair Swartwout encouraged all the Senators
to attend one of the workshops.Senator Jim Talent will be on campus December 20 to kick off the Health & Human Services
$650,000 Outreach Grant to establish a mobile unit that will serve several areas,
especially in the Bootheel. All Senators are encouraged to attend.Chair Swartwout will be reporting Senate activities to the Board of Regents on December
11.Two schools districts in the St. Louis area are requiring FBI checks, rather than
just background checks, before students can apply for teaching jobs. The FBI checks
are only good for 6 months, and the cost of the check will be borne by the applicant.A letter was read from Clinton Wilson, Commissioner of Higher Education. They are
going to support those institutions that contribute to state priorities. Chair Swartwout reported that the Executive Committee will be meeting with President
Dobbins and Provost Stephens. They plan to update them on the work done by the Faculty
Senate committees this year. She asked the Senators if there were any issues they
would like for them to discuss with the President.The next Senate meeting will include a presentation by CSTL members about the SE Portal.

REPORT FROM THE ADMINISTRATIVE LIAISON

Provost Stephens was attending a meeting of the Emergency Preparedness Committee.

REPORT FROM THE STUDENT GOVERNMENT LIAISON

The Student Government was pleased to hear of the agreement made at the last Senate
meeting pertaining to 6-Week Progress Reports.

The Student Government approved three finance proposals and ended the fall semester
on a good note.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

Academic Affairs

Senator Tikoo, chair of the committee, stated that the committee did not have a report.

Compensation

Senator Naugler, chair of the committee, reported that the committee had met and continued
to discuss the possibility and desirability of conducting a salary study. The committee
decided to explore how such studies have been handled at other academic institutions.
The compensation committee plans to bring a salary study proposal to Senate early
in the Spring semester. It was suggested that “market pay,” as was instituted by the
College of Business, might be more broadly applied, especially to those areas experiencing
trouble hiring and retaining faculty with needed qualifications.

Other discussion included the issues of salary compression, the need to increase Professional
Development funding, and the compensation methods for travel for faculty teaching
off campus courses.

The Committee welcomes input from faculty on these and any other compensation issues.

Documents

Senator MacLeay, chair of the committee, stated that the committee did not have a
report.

Governance

Senator Zlokovich, chair of the committee, reported that the committee met and plans
to meet in January to decide what needs to be included in a new Grievance Document.

Membership

Senator Hathaway, Membership Chair, reported that a representative for the Commencement
Committee is needed from the College of Health & Human Services.

Professional Affairs

Senator Althaus, chair of the committee, distributed copies of the Grievance Committee
Charge resolution that he had agreed to write at the November 17th meeting. No further
action is needed since the resolution was already passed. The resolution will be sent
to President Dobbins.

Senator Althaus, chair of the Committee, reported that the committee met on December
1 and unanimously agreed to ask the Senate to recommend emeritus status for a retiring
professor.

Survey on Student Evaluation: The committee members shared their experiences in responding
to the on-line survey. The faculty at large will be asked to participate during the
week to follow.

Faculty Status of Librarians: The Committee reviewed the most recent draft version
of a resolution recommending continuation of librarian faculty status. It was agreed
to add a statement concerning President Dobbins' support for shared governance and
open discussion. The Committee unanimously voted to recommend the resolution to the
Senate for passage.

OLD BUSINESS

Faculty Status of Librarians Resolution

Senator Althaus distributed copies of the proposed resolution. After discussion on
the resolution, Senator Tikoo moved to suspend the rules and take up the resolution
immediately; Senator Smith seconded. Chair Swartwout called for a vote, and it passed
unanimously.

NEW BUSINESS

Emeritus Faculty (Executive Session)

A motion by Dr. Althaus and seconded by Senator Naugler to approve emeritus status
for a retiring faculty member was passed.

Chair Swartwout wished everyone a wonderful holiday season.

The meeting was adjourned at 4:05 p.m.

The next Faculty Senate meeting will be Wednesday, February 2, 2005 in the Missouriana
Room.